Macon-Bibb, Georgia Age-Friendly Community Report 2014-2016
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Table of Contents Acknowledgements 3 Introduction 4 2014-2016 In Review 7 Livability Index 10 Housing 12 Neighborhood 13 Transportation 13 Environment 14 Health 14 Engagement 15 Opportunity 15 Eight Domains 16 Domain 1: Outdoor Spaces and Buildings 17 Domain 2: Transportation 21 Domain 3: Housing 27 Domain 4: Social Participation 30 Domain 5: Respect and Social Inclusion 31 Domain 6: Communication and Information 32 Domain 7: Civic Participation and Employment 35 Domain 8: Community Support and Health Services 38 Vision for the Next Five Years for Macon-Bibb 43 Conclusion 48 Appendix A: Macon-Bibb Age-Friendly Resource List 49 For additional information, please contact the office of Macon-Bibb County Mayor Robert A.B. Reichert at (478) 751-7170. 2 Acknowledgments The efforts to move Macon-Bibb forward in its Age-Friendly Community initiative could not have been realized without the support, personal experience, and professional expertise of all involved in this process. Macon-Bibb County has made tremendous strides during the five years since its designation in 2012. Because of the hard work and consistent dedication of the community, it is important to acknowledge the efforts of the key leaders who are involved with Age-Friendly Macon-Bibb so that momentum continues. A “special thanks” is extended to Mayor Robert Reichert, the Macon-Bibb County Commissioners, and their dedicated staff members for the tremendous support and endorsement they have provided to Age-Friendly Macon-Bibb. The enthusiasm they have shown has continued to be a great inspiration and driving force for the members of the Age- Friendly Community Advisory Committee (CAC). Age-Friendly Macon-Bibb has been guided from its inception by a distinguished Community Advisory Committee. We sincerely appreciate the generous giving of their time, resources, and expertise and we would like to thank each of them. The CAC is composed of the following individuals: Nancy White, Macon-Bibb County Health Department; Danielle Steele and Ivan Allen, Central Georgia Technical College; Thomas Rockenbauch, Carlyle Place/Navicent Health; Rick Jones, Macon-Bibb Transit Authority; Shannon Fields, Bibb County Department of Family and Children Services; Toni Altenburg, Magnolia Manor; Sam Henderson, Macon-Bibb County Government; Stacy Barrett, Wesleyan College; Gregory Brown, Macon-Bibb Planning and Zoning; Wazina Jackson, Macon-Bibb Economic and Community Development; Pam Carswell, Keep Macon Beautiful; Reginald Moore and Dominique Lewis, Macon-Bibb Parks and Recreation; Mike Dyer, Macon Chamber of Commerce; Luciana Green, Macon-Bibb Economic Opportunity Council; Jennifer Lautzenheiser, Middle Georgia Regional Library; Karen Middleton, Macon Housing Authority; Robin North, Macon Convention and Visitors Bureau; Theresa Robinson, Georgia Power; Gigi Rolfes, Volunteer Macon; Ivey Hall, Habitat for Humanity; Frank Tompkins, Citizen Member; Margaret Eskew, Mercer University; and Julie Hall, Middle Georgia Area Agency on Aging. We also applaud Cuirstaun Echols and Kimberly Lowe, staff of the Middle Georgia Regional Commission, for their diligence in writing this report. Their professionalism and ongoing support in compiling data and writing the report were priceless. Special thanks to the Advisors of the Community Advisory Committee, David Pilgrem of AARP Georgia, Romell Cooks, Romell Consulting (Augusta, Georgia) and Myrtle S. Habersham of M.S. Habersham Consulting Services (Macon, Georgia) for their dedication and steadfast support of Age-Friendly Macon-Bibb. 3 Introduction Since Macon-Bibb’s recognition as an AARP and World Health Organization (WHO) Age-Friendly Community in 2012, Macon-Bibb County has completed efforts to become a consolidated community. Consolidation not only influenced how the government as a whole operated, requiring the adjustment of a delegation of two separate bodies with a total number of representatives of 21 to one deciding commission of 10 members, it also included the blending of several community services and organizations. The consolidation efforts did not hinder the progression of Macon-Bibb County in making strides to continue the advancements of its Age-Friendly Community. Along with the constant change in population, improvements are needed to address the needs of the estimated 153,459 residents of Macon- Bibb County per the United State Census Bureau. The last three years since the 2013 report have been extremely active. Some monumental age-friendly enhancements experienced throughout Macon-Bibb County include, the renovation of Tattnall Square Park, revitalization of the Second Street Corridor, and the evolution of Macon Connects. To encompass the needs of all age groups, many restoration and preservation efforts have been accomplished to ensure Tattnall Square Park is accessible and enjoyable for all. Some of the improvements include, a new gateway at Lawton Street, numerous Tattnall Square Park Fountain resting facilities, connections throughout the park, replacement of the Tattnall Square Park Fountain, and energy efficient amenities. In 2014, Tattnall Square Park was named one of twelve “Frontline Parks” by the City Parks Alliance. Every month the City Parks Alliance named one “Frontline Park” from across the country as a standout example of urban park excellence, innovation, and stewardship. Tattnall Square Park was selected because it exemplifies the power of urban parks to build communities and make cities sustainable and vibrant. The World Health Organization (WHO) in 2014 also acknowledged the spectacular work completed at Tattnall Square Park, recognizing it to be an example for the rest of the world to create open spaces with input from the older population. The many events held within the park such as the Mulberry Market, Art in the Park, Poetry in the Park, and Yoga at Tattnall Square Park inspire the inclusion and interaction of all ages. 4 As mentioned in the Macon-Bibb County, Georgia 2013 Age-Friendly Community Action Plan Macon-Bibb County has made colossal strides in fortifying the Second Street Corridor multi- year, multi-million-dollar project connecting the neighborhoods surrounding Mercer University to Downtown Macon. The project began with $8 million from the “special-purpose local-option sales tax” SPLOST funds and has since seen an increase in available funds. Work completed along the corridor includes, the widening of pathways for pedestrians and bicyclists, the installation of a pedestrian bridge, Ground Breaking Ceremony of Secord Street Corridor Project new lighting, reverse angle parking, and the creation of additional greenspace. The Second Street Corridor project will provide ease of mobility and an increase in recreational spaces from downtown to the neighborhoods surrounding Mercer University. Such a major rejuvenation for Macon-Bibb County will address the needs of all ages and encourage community participation in various events. College students, families, and the aging population alike will have the opportunity to explore more of the possibilities offered in Macon-Bibb. The development of Macon Connects, improving the livability of Macon-Bibb County through the advancement of transportation alternatives, occurred when NewTown Macon, Macon-Bibb County, Bike Macon, 8 80 Cities, and The Better Block decided to combine their strengths and work together to achieve shared goals. This new partnership has greatly influenced the efforts to ensure that Macon-Bibb continues to be a community that is all-inclusive. Macon World’s Largest Pop-up Bike Lane Network Connects has explored new and innovative projects aimed at continuing the advancement of Macon-Bibb County and to address any issues that may prevent future growth. Some of the projects completed include, an Ideas Festival, a three-day event to excite and engage residents about their mobility concerns and the world’s largest network of temporary pop-up bicycle lanes. Each project has allowed for the collaboration of numerous viewpoints and alternatives of all age groups to be explored to create a more movable and walkable community. As Macon-Bibb County continues to experience an increase in population, the need for a collaborative community is essential. In addition to the population boom, Macon-Bibb is also experiencing an increased influx of people from surrounding communities as they travel to Macon-Bibb County for services ranging from doctor’s appointments, to shopping and entertainment. In accordance with Macon-Bibb’s recognition as an Age-Friendly Community, strides are continually being made to incorporate all perspectives and methods to better the mobility and services for residents and visitors in every stage of life. 5 Macon-Bibb…a thriving Age-Friendly Community that is striving to be a more livable community for all ages. 6 2014 In Review Movie Night at the Douglas Theater…for Residents of All Age Groups Caregivers’ Workshops Offered to Residents throughout Macon-Bibb Macon-Bibb Meeting as a Consolidated Government 7 2015 In Review Local residents (above) provide input that results in the development of a “state of the art” Senior Center as illustrated below. Historic Tattnall Square Park is designated a “best practice example of Outdoor Spaces” in the world. 8 2016 In Review Macon Housing Authority demolishes 75- year-old Tindall Heights to rebuild new $45 million-dollar senior development. Hundreds of citizens celebrate Macon-Bibb’s Cherry Blossom Festival. Largest pop-up bike lane in the world (8 80/Macon Connect Project) 9 Livability Index As